On Saturday, the White House made public the medical records of Vice President Kamala Harris, providing insight into her health status as she continues to fulfill her duties in public office. According to her physician, Army Colonel Joshua Simmons, Harris, aged 59, is reported to be in “excellent health” and possesses the requisite physical and mental resilience needed to assume the responsibilities of the presidency if called upon. Despite a few minor health issues, including seasonal allergies and mild nearsightedness, Harris’ overall health profile indicates a strong foundation, especially as she has a family history of colon cancer, a condition that claimed her mother’s life in 2009.
Among the notable aspects of Harris’ health is her active lifestyle, characterized by vigorous daily aerobic exercise and core strength training. Her physician has commended her adherence to a very healthy diet, alongside habits such as avoiding tobacco use and consuming alcohol only occasionally and in moderation. These lifestyle choices contribute to her well-being and reflect her commitment to staying fit and healthy amidst the demands of her role. The clear emphasis on Harris’ health stands in stark contrast to the approach of her predecessor, former President Donald Trump, who has a history of being reticent when it comes to disclosing his medical records.
Trump, who is now 78 years old, has made statements indicating a willingness to release his medical information, having previously suggested he would do so “very gladly.” Nevertheless, his campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, emphasized that Trump has already made voluntary updates regarding his health through reports from his personal physician, Republican Representative Ronny Jackson from Texas. These updates have consistently concluded that Trump is in “perfect and excellent health,” although critics note that the information is often vague and lacks the transparency seen in Harris’ recent disclosures.
Historically, Trump has been reluctant to provide detailed health records. During the 2015 presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton, he had promised to release his “full medical report,” following Clinton’s release of her medical information. However, the release consisted solely of a letter from his personal physician, lauding his health in non-specific terms and suggesting he would be the “healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” This pattern continued when Trump was campaigning against now-President Joe Biden in 2020, where his annual physical report indicated no significant change in his medical history but also did little to provide detailed insight.
In terms of more comprehensive assessments, the most substantial evaluation of Trump’s health came in 2018 when Representative Jackson shared a memo summarizing the results of Trump’s annual physical examination. This memo highlighted several health indicators, including borderline high cholesterol levels, a strong performance on cognitive assessments, and the prescription of multiple medications, including Aspirin aimed at cardiac health. This assessment, while reassuring to some, raised questions about the former president’s overall health narrative since it implied he had pre-existing health concerns that he had previously downplayed.
In summary, the release of Harris’s medical records reinforces her position as a healthy and capable leader, especially as she continues to navigate the complexities of her role as vice president. In contrast, Trump’s approach towards transparency regarding his health records raises questions about his commitment to public disclosure. As the Biden administration looks to establish a narrative of health and preparedness, Harris’s clear and comprehensive medical reporting continues to serve as a focal point, showcasing a stark difference in how contemporary political figures engage with public scrutiny regarding their health. Ultimately, these contrasting approaches highlight the political implications surrounding health transparency in leadership roles.